North Carolina State University at Raleigh Top Questions

The advice I would give to myself as a high school senior is just to breathe, relax, and enjoy. High school is the time to interact and grow closer relationships with the people you've known for all your life. I would tell myself to not be nervous or scared about college because it is the most amazing opportunity a person can get. I would also tell myself to stop focusing on making perfect grades but focus on learning instead. It is hard when you get to college and you are on your own. Oh one last thing, don't take your free textbooks for granted because it is very expensive in college.

The only advice I would give myself if I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior would be to SAVE MORE MONEY. I honestly did not not know how expensive it would be to actually be to go to college for four years, or even a single semester. I would tell myself to spend more wisely and less than what I actually spent. All of the money I made last year would have been a major help to my tuition this year, but I did not save well. So I would teach myself the act of saving.

Upon graduation from high school, and in transition back to college, I have had many life lessons and personal development. I attended college for a year, and will now be going back after a 10 year absence. Looking back there is much that I could say to myself as a high school senior. Do not be as intimated or insecure about what is to come. Be confident in yourself and dive into all of that the campus has to offer their students. The faculty will be very helpful and friendly. You will also have a great oppurtunity in meeting new people, great friendships, and potential leads and assistance for your future employment. I look forward to obtaining a degree in criminal justice in the next two years; and being able to serve and protect my community and country. Giving back to others, and being an example that they can also go back to college, will be a great reward!

Getting through high school may seem difficult and challenging right now, but do not get discouraged. The place you are in now is only a small pool compared to the vastness of college. Continue to be yourself, and I promise that there will be people who like you for who you are. Everything might seem like a blur, like you have no direction right now. However, keep going. It might not seem clear right now, but it will. This new chapter in your life will help you grow and learn more than you ever have before in your entire life. The people that put you down or tease you, do not mind them. Every large problem that seemed so important will become miniscule once you enter college. You are about to graduate and leave high school, along with your past. College is a new beginning to a new city, new people, and a new you. Remember to be happy, be yourself, and never give up.

There are 3 crucial things that I would say to my former high school self in order to make the transition to college a lot easier. One important thing would be to enjoy your last year of high school instead of excessively worrying about your GPA and what others think about you. In college, everybody starts over in terms of GPA, class rank, and social status so your last year in high school should be fun instead of stressful. Another crucial thing that I would tell my senior self would be to not be afraid to think outside of the box and step out of your comfort zone. As a college student, you will realize that your most memorable experiences will involve doing things that you never thought you would. Stepping outside of your comfort zone will also open up opportunities to grow and form lasting friendships. The last and most imperative thing is to create time for yourself to relax because you will sometimes feel overwhelmed by the workload in college. Do something to relieve that stress so you don't drive yourself crazy. It will all be worth it in the end, trust me.

As a senior in high school, nothing made me quite as nervous as the idea of graduating and heading off to North Carolina State University. Leaving the comforting cocoon of familiarity in my home town seemed daunting to me. I would often ponder questions such as: “Will making new friends be easy?” and “Exactly how many papers will I have to write in English 101?!” And after a lot of freaking out and a lot of last minute packing, summer drew to an end and I was headed to NC State. The first few weeks were filled with meeting new people, new experiences and learning my way around campus. During this time I realized that all the worries I had had in high school were completely unwarranted. I discovered that as long as you come to college with an open mind, a good attitude, and a desire to succeed, everything will work out! If only I could go back in time and tell my high school self to stop worrying so much about making the transition. I would definitely tell myself: “Stop worrying! You just have to work hard and be yourself.”

Honestly, I wouldn't do anything different if I had the chance to "re-do" high school. However, I would tell myself, knowing I wouldn't listen to myself, to do good and make sure to have a high GPA. Mine wasn't terrible. I had a B average, but I never tried. I knew how to study, I just didn't. It is hard getting into that habbit. But, back to the grades.. If I had tried, I would not be quite as broke now. I would have more than likely recieved more scholarship money. All in all, I enjoyed my high school years; living a high school life. I would tell myself to keep in mind what needs to be done for college but not to rush growing up.

Having the ability to make sound financial decisions in important during those four years of college. In high school, any money that you make is for your own personal spending because often your parents handle the living expenses. By understanding finances in college and how financial decisions early on can impact your future will help maintain the cost of living while in school, as well as provide a net of funds once you leave school making debt more managable. Start with a job in high school and save your money to last throughout college. You're going to want certain foods, to buy clothes and to hang with friends. Saving money early will provide you with financial ease in college. Don't apply for credit cards and borrow as little money as possible by applying for scholarships early.

If I had a time machine allowing me to journey back in time, I would tell myself about the future, and how everything will work itself out; I would just have to wait and see. I had ADHD, so the school kept testing my brain’s functions, charting how smart a machine thought that I was, and turned out that the testing thought I was dumb. I then would advise myself to trust my intelligence, and not let ADHD limit me. I would remind myself that I had the power to overcome any trials, and that no one, not even my mother could make me feel inferior unless I give them consent to make me feel that way. I would tell myself that I can do anything as long as I keep my eyes on the sky looking upwards toward my Higher Power, and let Him lead my life so I can conquer anything I set my mind to. I would just tell myself that life happens, and sometimes it is hard, but it is a great feeling just being alive. Just slow down and enjoy: it is rough and kind, and unfair, and wonderful all rolled up in one.

Hunter, right now, you are being bombarded with information and advice to best prepare you for college. You're thinking: "How am I going to remember all of this?" The answer is: you won't. And that is okay! College is a learning experience in more ways than ways than one. Of course, you'll take classes (one's you wouldn't even expect!) that will expand your mind, but you will also learn through experience. I could tell you who to avoid and what tests you should study extra hard for, but I won't. I do this because you will learn from interactions with people who are less than nice and by being unprepared for exams. When you're going to college, everyone has advice. Respect and be grateful for advice, but take it lightly. Do not try to get everything right. Make mistakes. Be kind and stay true to yourself. You will be fine.